THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Pinot Bistro Restaurant Review

: The first casual spin-off of Joachim Splichal's Patina back in 1992, Pinot Bistro is perhaps our favorite Pinot still. The main dining room, while handsome and comfortable, is SoCal all the way, but the bistro area by the bar is more reminiscent of Paris. This cozy room, with its mustard walls, black-and-white tile floor and dark wood paneling, is like stepping into a 6th arrondissement bistro. Pinot Bistro’s biggest problem of late has been a revolving door in the kitchen, but the current chef, Patina Group veteran Hugo Veltman, is one of the most talented to man the stoves here. The frequently changing menu offers classic bistro fare, as well as some contemporary California creations. Starters might include salmon or chicken terrines, the latter laced with foie gras, or a take on a salade Lyonnaise. Among entrées you'll find the signature crispy whitefish with brandade potatoes, a hanger steak with first-rate béarnaise sauce or caramelized pork belly with a lentil ragoût. Execution is consistently solid---everything you'd expect from a Splichal-supervised kitchen---and service is among the best in the Valley. True to its name, Pinot has a good assortment of moderately priced bistro wines, and the brioche chocolate bread pudding with Wild Turkey sauce is a fine finale.